#H2P... PITT IS IT! - A Pitt Panthers Dynasty (NCAA 14)

[moose141]

#PantherNation Preview: G7 @ VT
Report by Matt Schmidlin | October 15, 2021

What: #6 Pitt (5-1) @ #8 Virginia Tech (5-0)
Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
When: Saturday, October 16, 2021, 3:30 PM EST

Game Line Pres. by FanDuel: Pickem (EVEN)
ESPN Prediction: Virginia Tech

Last Meeting (2020): 26-20 Pitt
Last Meeting at Venue (2019): 30-16 Pitt
All Time Series: 11-9 Pitt
Dynasty Series: 4-1 Pitt

The Straw That Stirs the Drink: Virginia Tech QB Travis Huff

After sitting behind two different starting quarterbacks and seeing limited action for three seasons, it's finally the Travis Huff show, and boy is he putting up some spectacular ratings. Huff has firmly inserted himself into the Heisman conversation with an impressive 13:2 TD:INT ratio through five games while adding 7 scores on the ground and averaging almost exactly 300 yards of total offense each game. The senior is incredibly quick and shifty, and Pitt fans should get a taste of their own medicine after watching the mobility of CJ Kirk week in and week out. Where Kirk can take notes from Huff is his protection of the football, as Kirk is AVERAGING over two turnovers per game while Huff has just two on the ENTIRE season. For Virginia Tech to stay unbeaten, Huff will be their gamebreaker.

Dynamic Duo: Manning Filling Henderson's Shoes During Injury

In 2020, freshman HB Eddie Henderson was a surprise of the season as he ran for over 1100 yards and 12 touchdowns and was an Freshman All-America. His backup, fellow freshman BJ Manning, was a dependable secondary option who provided a bit more speed in the backfield. In 2021, with Henderson sidelined for the majority of the season due to a groin injury, Manning has taken center stage and relished the role, totaling nearly 500 yards on the ground through the Hokies' first five games. With Henderson expected to miss the contest against the Panthers, Manning will face his toughest test as Pitt fields the nation's stoutest rush defense. If Tech can't get the running game going, it will put a lot of pressure on Huff to drive the offensive productivity.

Matchup to Watch: Pitt's Offensive Line vs. Tech's Defensive Line

Virginia Tech fields one of the most (if not the most) complete defensive line units in the nation, featuring all four starters with PFF grades of 88 or better. Against a Pitt squad that has been inconsistent both running between the tackles as well as in pass protection, the Hokies will have an opportunity to significantly disrupt CJ Kirk's rhythm with consistent pressure in the backfield. If Pitt can't run the ball consistently, it may be a lot to ask of Kirk to put up another 400+ total yard performance while keeping the ball away from the Hokie defense.

What to Expect on the Field This Saturday



Sound Off: Can Pitt knock Virginia Tech from the ranks of the unbeatens and get another big notch on their CFP Resume Belt?

[young22]

Big pickups in recruiting, looking forward to hopefully seeing Mobley as a 2 way player.

VT are very good, that D-line especially is going to be tough, CJ's gonna be under fire all day. Winnable game for sure, I feel like turnovers will decide it.

Good luck!

[Careless Whisper]

Hopefully BJ Manning doesn't play like Jim Manning.

Should be another classic for the Panthers, as young said VT's defensive line is stellar and will really make it tough for Kirk to get into a rhythm. Hopefully he can keep his turnovers down, and the defense does enough to force the unflappable Huff into a few miscues.

Pitt's really riding the momentum wave with the big wins on the field and in recruiting - hoping it continues!

[moose141]

Quote: Originally Posted by young22

Big pickups in recruiting, looking forward to hopefully seeing Mobley as a 2 way player. VT are very good, that D-line especially is going to be tough, CJ's gonna be under fire all day. Winnable game for sure, I feel like turnovers will decide it. Good luck!

For sure, we have a lot of youngsters now that I am very excited about getting into the lineup sooner rather than later! Mobley will be interesting, definitely will have to formation sub him into at least one of two sets just to see what he can bring to the offense.

Turnovers seem to be a key in every game that we play in, that is for sure!

Quote: Originally Posted by Careless Whisper

Hopefully BJ Manning doesn't play like Jim Manning. Should be another classic for the Panthers, as young said VT's defensive line is stellar and will really make it tough for Kirk to get into a rhythm. Hopefully he can keep his turnovers down, and the defense does enough to force the unflappable Huff into a few miscues. Pitt's really riding the momentum wave with the big wins on the field and in recruiting - hoping it continues!

You aren't kidding... maybe Jim Manning will find his way into my next custom recruiting class! Would be fun to see how he does in an alternate universe, for sure.

You guys are riding the turnover train hard, and for good reason! I don't know that I've ever had such an issue with turnovers in this dynasty, so definitely we need to get those mistakes under control and we could've had a surprise undefeated season the way the first six games have gone!

[moose141]

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE?
Report by Matt Schmidlin | October 16, 2021







Photo Gallery

[young22]

Super tough loss. I knew turnovers would decide it, 3 in the first half is always gonna be tough to overcome.

On the upside, great rally in the second half, you guys never gave up, and I think that's huge for a freshman like Kirk to show the never say die attitude that you need in a star QB.

Sidenote, once again I had hope Reese might take back the job but I am glad that the Panthers seem to have a QB for the next 3.5 years.

[Deuce2223]

Tough day running the ball in the 1st half, and then trailing were never really able to get things going forcing 50+ throws which isn't really your play style.

However on the bright side the loss comes at a time in which you can still recover and work your way back among the hunt for a playoff spot.

[dfsJunkie]

Great comeback push in the second half, and especially the 4th quarter. Tough loss though. Sometimes those big plays in the second half make you kick yourself for not trying them more in the first.